[dropcap]A[/dropcap]frica has long been seen as the new frontier for economic growth. However, its full development potential can only be realized if the young people are provided with high quality education. Prof. Sarah Anyang, the African Union Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology reiterated this point during the Arab and African Youth Platform (AAYP) in Aswan, Egypt.
The three-day platform event was held under the patronage of President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt, from 16 to 18 March in Aswan.
AAYP is one of many platforms under the World Youth Forum, which is meant to empower young people in Egypt and around the world to nurture their ideas in all fields. This event coincides with Egypt taking the chairmanship of the AU.
Prof Anyang pointed to the three strategies that the African Union (AU) has come up with to promote education on the continent. These include the Continental Education Strategy for Africa 2016-2024, the Science Technology Innovation Strategy for Africa 2024 and the continental Technical and Vocational Education Training Strategy programme.
“We realize Africa’s potential and aspirations, that the investments made today towards the development of African children and young people, because tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today,” said Prof Anyang.
She added that this is why the AU is at the forefront role of transforming the quality of education in Africa.
Feven Gebremeskel, a creative director from Ethiopia and one of the young people taking part in the forum, reiterated the importance of having an African youth platform to collaborate on technological solutions.
On the other hand, the appointment of Ms Aya Chebbi from Tunisia in November 2018 as the special youth envoy for the AU was a positive step to empower the youth on the continent. This way, Prof Anyang noted, young people will have a sense of belonging.
[ Also Read: Digital media faces hard times as online news site fires 17 employees ]
In addition, the Africa Youth Congress planned for Addis Ababa from 24-27 April, will focus on youth empowerment. “This will focus on youth empowerment aimed at uniting the African youth, promote education, employment and engagement,” she said.
Then there is the AU Youth Volunteer Corps, the flagship programme that deploys young African professionals and volunteers for a period of 12 months across the continent.
“The AU African Volunteer Programme promotes volunteerism to deepen the stages of young people in Africa as key actors in African development projects and goals and hasten their participation in policy development,” said Prof Anyang.
[ See: Kenya gets 16 instant millionaires ]
